I think there's also a bit of NASA/NSF hype in there too: They know the public wants to find an Earth-like (or at least size) world, and the first one that comes along that isn't 20 times the size of Jupiter will do.

I'd like to find smaller worlds, too, but then again, what's the point of looking for *alien* worlds if they aren't *alien*?

Why are we so gung-ho on finding mirrors of us? Just because we think we can relate to each other somehow? Give me the multi-lobed, multi-tentacled giant jellyfish gasbags living in their immense worldship circling the tenth moon of Sigma Iota Caranis XII any day!